Overhaul of taxi regulation in Dales put on hold after wave of opposition

Richmondshire District Council has confirmed it has once again put the proposals to deregulate the licensing of taxis out to public consultation. Taxi owners and drivers have objected to the proposals and took the decision to a judicial review.

But the council has confirmed the legal challenge has been rescinded by the drivers while further consultations with residents, business leaders and the taxi trade are undertaken.

Council leader John Blackie maintained the authority was satisfied it had consulted widely enough during the first public engagement.

But he acknowledged taxi firms felt the proposals needed to be analysed again, and stressed the council is on “a mission to engage fully” with the public.

Coun Blackie said that since the original decision to deregulate was taken by councillors last year, there have been only 12 changes to existing plates and new licence applications. He added: “Taxi drivers claim that we will be awash with new applications if this system is adopted – but this has already proved not to be the case.

“Deregulation will allow individuals and businesses to have the number of plates they require without restriction and increase the availability of taxis – and the areas they ply their trade.”

The council charges £275 to licence each taxi but Coun Blackie claimed the existing limit had created an “artificial capital market” with vehicle plates changing hands privately for several thousand pounds.

The number of plates in Richmondshire is restricted to 65, and Coun Blackie said the proposed deregulation would encourage new firms to set up and boost job opportunities amid the ongoing economic crisis.

The seven-week consultation will run until July 20.

A questionnaire will be circulated and views can be submitted to the council’s environmental health manager, Philip Mepham, via [email protected] or by calling 01748 827043.

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